Grand Metropolitan Hotels strengthens executive and brand leadership to support global expansion strategy

Hotel management company bolsters global growth strategy with Digital Hotelier Founder Rahul Arora, and former Voile D'Or Hotels CEO Jacques Oudinot

Zurich, 29 June 2026: Grand Metropolitan Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel management companies, has strengthened its executive and brand leadership team as it accelerates international expansion, reinforcing its luxury portfolio, and advances its digital transformation strategy. The leadership appointments come as the group surpasses 600 hotels globally and continues expanding across its luxury and lifestyle brands.

Rahul Arora joins as the new Chief Commercial & Digital Officer (CCDO) and member of the Management Board, to elevate the group’s global commercial and digital strategy, while Jacques Oudinot assumes the role as Chief Executive Officer of Martinez Hotels – a key pillar in the luxury segment of Grand Metropolitan Hotels.

Rahul Arora joins as the new Chief Commercial & Digital Officer (CCDO)

Bringing extensive expertise at the intersection of hospitality, commercial strategy and digital innovation, Arora is the Founder of Digital Hotelier, a London based hospitality technology and digital solutions company. With a strong reputation for leading digital transformation initiatives across hotel distribution, direct booking technologies and performance marketing, Arora has also served on the leadership team of Signature Hotel Group, where he expanded his expertise across hotel operations, commercial strategy and growth management.

In this new role, Arora’s focus will be to accelerate commercial performance, strengthen direct distribution channels, enhance guest engagement, and implement future-ready technology platforms across the rapidly growing portfolio. He will also assume oversight of sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution, customer engagement, technology and digital transformation initiatives. His appointment reflects Grand Metropolitan Hotels' strategy of combining operational excellence with technology-driven revenue growth and guest engagement.

Jacques Oudinot assumes the role as Chief Executive Officer of Martinez Hotels

Following his success establishing Voile D’Or Hotels in the market as Chief Executive Officer, Jacques Oudinot brings more than two decades of leadership experience within renowned luxury hotel brands. He has previously held senior management positions at iconic properties including Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Shangri La Sydney, Four Seasons Singapore, Island Shangri La Hong Kong, and One & Only Royal Mirage Dubai.

In his role as Chief Executive Officer for Martinez Hotels, Oudinot will be key to further developing and positioning the brand in the international hospitality market.

“As Grand Metropolitan Hotels continues its international expansion, these appointments strengthen two areas that are central to our future growth: commercial innovation and luxury hospitality leadership,” said Martin Smura, Founder and Chairman of Grand Metropolitan Hotels.

“Rahul’s unique combination of commercial expertise, entrepreneurial vision and digital innovation makes him exceptionally well positioned to lead a critical function, and his appointment reflects our commitment to combining commercial excellence with technological innovation.

“Jacques is a highly respected leader within the industry, with extensive global experience, operational excellence and a deep understanding of luxury hospitality. His strategic mindset, vision and expertise are instrumental for the next phase of Martinez Hotels.”

Speaking of his new appointment, Rahul Arora said: "Technology is no longer a standalone function within hospitality; it is fundamental to how hotels drive revenue, engage guests and compete in an increasingly dynamic market. Grand Metropolitan Hotels has ambitious growth plans, and together we have an opportunity to strengthen the commercial and digital capabilities that will support the group's next phase of expansion."